Hobbies And Interests
Antigens
Antigens are foreign material that cause the body's immune system to react by producing antibodies. Antibodies are small proteins created to fight one type of disease. Essentially, one antibody may be able to fight smallpox, but it may not be able to fight food poisoning. Examples of common antigens include bacteria, viruses, pollen and certain chemicals. While the majority of antigens come from the environment, some antigens, such as bacterial toxins and certain tissue cells, can be produced inside the body.
Allergens
Allergens are substances that produce immune responses in certain people but may not cause such reactions in others. The body of someone with a particular allergy will recognize the substance as foreign or dangerous when, in fact, it is completely harmless. Usually harmful antigens, such as bacteria and viruses, are not considered allergens. Examples of common allergens are animal dander in fur, dust, plants, pollen and smoke. Allergic reactions from foods and drugs are very common and can be deadly. Common food allergens include milk, strawberries and wheat, and common drug allergens may be antibiotics and skin ointments.
Allergies
An allergy is the body's over-sensitivity to a substance normally harmless to humans. Allergies, which are linked to hives, itching and swelling, should not be confused with intolerance, which only causes an upset stomach. When the immune system recognizes an allergen, it produces histamines. Histamines cause inflammation and do not benefit the body whatsoever. To this day, scientists still do not know why certain people are allergic to certain antigens. However, studies have shown that there may be a genetic component to allergies. Individuals with certain allergies may likely pass them down to their children. Other scientists, such as Dr. James Braly, think that an overabundance of antibodies can cause a person to be allergic to certain antigens. This often occurs in Type 3 allergies, especially those involving food.
Sickle Cell Disease and Malaria
There are some antigens that do not affect a small population but are devastating in the vast majority of humans. Malaria, a disease spread by female mosquitoes, affects nearly 400 million people each year. Historically, malaria antigens were unstoppable. However, over time, humans in areas severely affected by malaria developed special blood properties that allowed them to fight it off. Adaptions to fight the disease resulted in widespread cases of Sickle Cell Disease, a genetic, condition not linked to antigens that manipulates blood cells. While Sickle Cell Disease is harmful, it significantly weakens the effects of malaria viruses, which are antigens.